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The 6 Best Hotels in Austin (Updated 2024)

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A bright and sunny day overlooking the towering skyline of Austin, Texas
Posted: 12/19/23 | December 19th, 2023

Austin is known for its incredible music, delicious restaurants and food trucks, and vibrant tech scene. It’s a perfect city for weekend getaways, especially if you love BBQ and the outdoors.

I love the city so much I actually moved there for over 8 years before returning to New York City.

Austin is a lively, fun city, with a lot of unique things to see and do. Plus, nothing is more than 20 minutes away from anywhere else, so you won’t be spending ages getting around like in huge metropolises.

To help you pick the best place to stay during your trip, here’s my list of the best hotels in Austin:

1. East Austin Hotel

Small outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs at East Austin Hotel
East Austin is an energetic area that’s a great place to stay if you like dining out (some of my favorite spots are Fukomoto, Via 313, and Counter Cafe). This boutique property has 75 rooms with a minimalist Scandinavian design featuring soft pastel colors and wooden accents throughout. Amenities include Casper mattresses, plush robes, in-room coffeemakers, and vintage décor. There’s also a small outdoor pool complete with a poolside cocktail bar, as well as a rooftop bar and restaurant. Plus, it’s right on lively East Sixth Street, which is one of the best places to go out on in the city.

Book here!

 

2. Hotel Indigo

A king sized bed in a small guest room at Hotel Indigo in Austin, Texas
This hotel is in Downtown Austin, an area you’ll want to stay in if you want to be close to most of the city’s attractions. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from Stubb’s, a world-famous music venue (try to see a show there if you can). Indigo is a stylish and creatively designed hotel with a rooftop swimming pool and bar, as well as a 24-hour fitness center. The colorful and spacious rooms feature comfortable beds, a work desk, flat-screen TV with premium channels, and luxury bath products in the sizable showers.

Book here!

 

3. Austin Motel

The pool at Austin Motel in Austin, Texas
Originally from the 1930s, the landmark Austin Motel has been renovated into this fun property in South Congress, an area crammed with boutique shops, top restaurants and food trucks, and a bustling nightlife scene. Austin Motel is just as cool as the area, boasting a pool complete with a bar (with adults-only swim time during summer evenings) and a funky retro design throughout that I really liked. The colorful rooms are on the smaller side (it is still a motel, after all), but all have plush bathrobes, Bluetooth speakers, a mini bar, and fair trade Alaffia bath products. Most rooms have desks too. Plus, there’s free on-site parking, which isn’t common for hotels in Austin.

Book here!

 

4. The Carpenter Hotel

Guest room with an exposed brick wall, terrace, and wooden desk at The Carpenter Hotel in Austin, Texas
One of the few hotels in the middle of the Zilker neighborhood, this area has lots of interesting things to see and do, including the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and the Barton Springs Pool. The Carpenter Hotel is a tranquil, open-air boutique property with a relaxing outdoor pool and patio. Staying here feels like a little retreat from the city. The comfortable rooms have a beautiful minimalist industrial design with a lot of light-wood touches, blackout shutters, and private terraces. I really like the attention to sustainability throughout, with eco-friendly bath products and local goodies in the mini bar too.

Book here!

 

5. Embassy Suites by Hilton

A simple guest room with a queen bed at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Austin, Texas
Anchored on the border where Zilker Park and the (Texan) Colorado River meet, stay here to be close to many of Austin’s green spaces. You can walk to the Greenbelt from here and you’ll be near the lake too. Embassy Suites offers good-sized rooms with city views, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. The free hot breakfast buffet (complete with an omelet station) is fantastic and there’s also a nightly happy hour with complimentary drinks, which I thought was a nice touch. It’s a solid and affordable midrange choice if you’d like to stay in a quieter area.

Book here!

 

6. Arrive

Guest room with a large comfy bed at Arrive Hotel in Austin, Texas
This four-star hotel features super-spacious and light-filled guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, incredibly comfy beds, desks, Bluetooth speakers, high-end bath products, and a bottled water-stocked fridge. The bathrooms and showers are huge, and some rooms even have balconies (so be sure to ask for one at check-in). There’s also a courtyard restaurant and bar, a Goan-inspired eatery, and a gin-focused rooftop bar. Arrive is also right on East Sixth, home to some of the best bars in the city (my favorites include Whislers, Lazarus, Lolo Wine, and Lucky Duck).

Book here!

 
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One of my favorite cities in the entire country, Austin is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. There’s tons of delicious food, plentiful live music, and all kinds of outdoor activities to keep you busy. And choosing one of the above hotels will ensure that you have a great stay in the Texan capital.

Book Your Trip to Austin: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Austin?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Austin for even more planning tips!



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Why are electric car owners so sensitive?

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If you read CarExpert, you’ll already know about our electric vs petrol road trip from Melbourne to Sydney.

Even if you aren’t a regular reader you’re probably aware of it; more than 2 million people have viewed a post about the drive on the 7News Sydney page on Facebook.

Most of the feedback has been positive… but there’s also been a lot of negative comments, allegations of bias, and accusations of a sinister, anti-electric agenda from EV owners upset we’ve dared to question the supremacy of their zero (local) emissions cars.

MORE: 900km (560 mile) electric v petrol challenge: Same cars, same driving, which was cheaper?

This is pretty common.

Write anything negative about electric cars – or raise reasonable questions about how they work in scenarios that aren’t daily commuting, where you can charge at home – and an army of angry evangelists gets riled up on CarExpert.

Then, they take their anger to forums and Facebook pages where other acolytes stoke the flames by telling them how right they are, and how wrong anyone who questions electric vehicles is, and how great their cars are, and how it’s them against the world, and… you get the idea.

MORE: Talking about our road trip on 7News

Don’t believe me? Here’s a snapshot of some of the comments on the CarExpert story about the road trip:

And here’s how it’s been handled in two prominent Facebook groups:

Diving into the comments on the 7News socials shows plenty of people using our test as evidence that yes, electric cars are dumb – which is also missing the point of the test.

Why is this opinion piece about the electric car evangelists, and not the luddites trying to talk electric technology down?

Because every time we write anything remotely negative about electric cars, the idea there’s some grand conspiracy at play is raised – and electric car owners feel the need to rabidly defend the technology.

There’s a couple of themes in the responses to our road trip. The first is the idea we don’t really get electric cars, and that owners charge at home so the road trip was irrelevant, or dumb, or a concerted attempt to undermine the electric future.

To that I’d say that we’re pretty damn experienced with electric cars at this point… and even though most Australians spend most of their time in town, there are plenty of people who need their cars to be able to deal with a long drive.

Right now, the small (but quickly growing) pool of people who’ve invested their hard-earned in an EV are willing to put up with a more convoluted drive route, or a more complex planning process before a road trip like the one we did.

But that’s not representative of how the average punter goes about things, and I can tell you right now it’s not something I’m willing to do before a road trip.

That’s why I couldn’t buy an electric car in 2024; it works for my run to and from work, but it won’t get me to the snow or surf and back (yes, this is a fixture in my life) without adding time, complexity, and risk relative to a petrol or diesel. Until that’s not the case, it’s internal combustion or bust.

It’s possible to believe that, and to appreciate electric cars on their merits though. That’s why I called the Tesla Model 3 an “an excellent mid-sized sedan. Full stop” when we first reviewed one at CarExpert.

MORE: Check out our road trip video on YouTube

The second argument is that even though owners do long road trips sometimes, using a very specific combination of charge locations, applications, friendly locals, and prevailing weather conditions, you could do the same drive for free. Most of these people also have a story about how they’ve done it themselves.

Again, good for you. You’re so clever! But the luxury of stopping for long periods of time isn’t one afforded to everyone, and the idea that it’s acceptable for trips to take meaningfully longer than they used to while you juice up using a destination plug just doesn’t cut it.

Yes, if the public infrastructure is working perfectly and there’s no-one using it the impost on your time is minimal. But it’s a massive if right now, as we’ve experienced at various points since CarExpert has been online.

These are things people need to know before spending their own money on an electric car, because spending at least $40,000 on a new vehicle that doesn’t work for you is annoying at best, and a huge financial mistake at worst.

All of this is a long-winded way to say electric car owners need to toughen up. The idea CarExpert (or any of our rivals) has a vested interest in stopping electric vehicles from taking hold is absolutely farcical.

Sales are growing rapidly in Australia, and the number of electric options has exploded since the start of 2022. If we were trying to pour cold water on EV sales, it’s certainly not working.

At this point, there’s no question the future is heavily electrified. Electric cars are mainstream now, rather than a four-wheeled substitute for a personality for nerds who love counting kilowatt hours and guffawing at anyone who buys a petrol car, and that means the lens through which they’re judged needs to change.

Some tests aren’t going to shine favourably on electric vehicles, and that’s okay. Finding flaws and working to improve the experience is crucial if it’s to get better.





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Car Of The Day: 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster

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The 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is the beneficiary of Stuttgart’s latest fixings, while also serving as a throwback to the Porsche 356 – the very first Speedster model. This schematic has forged a 911 with a silhouette based on the 4S Cabriolet body, carbon fiber bits borrowed off the 911 R, and front and rear bumpers from the GT3 Touring. That is not to say that there aren’t any unique offerings on the Speedster, with its shorter, more inclined windshield frame and lower fly-line being amongst its exclusive features.

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America

As originally advertised, the car is powered by the same 4.0L, naturally aspirated, 9000 rpm unit used in the 991.2 GT3; for good measure, Porsche has kindly gone and wrung an extra 10-horsepower out of it too, just for the Speedster. They’ve also done nothing to disappoint the purists, with the same brilliant 6-speed manual transmission – offered in some 991.2 GT3 examples – mated to this legendary flat-6 boxer engine.

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America

Buyers can also opt for the most extreme option – known as the Heritage Design Package – which adds aesthetic touches inspired by Porsche’s rich motorsport history. The distinct livery draws inspiration from factory-built competition 356 racers, and the Silver Metallic paint color recalls a time when cars primarily featured this elemental shade.

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America

The iconic ‘PORSCHE’ graphic in classic sans-serif font stretches from one wheel to the other, curving outward at the rear to accommodate the wide rear wheel arches. The 20-inch satin platinum wheels with black center locking hubs are both functional and stylish, and they are exclusive to the Heritage Design Speedster, further enhancing its unique appeal.

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America2019 Porsche 911 Speedster 'Heritage Design' Courtesy of Porsche Cars North America

Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s

 



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Hyundai Elantra Hybrid price and mpg, Honda Civic Hybrid, Mazda charging up on rotary: Today’s Car News

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The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid gets a higher price, ahead of the arrival of a main rival, the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid. And Mazda sees a future including rotary combustion engines and Tesla charge ports. This and more, here at Green Car Reports. 

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid has a price hike—and more of a price bump versus non-hybrid Elantra models, although the Elantra Hybrid does now get the larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen. Efficiency-focused Elantra Hybrid Blue models retain the 54-mpg combined EPA rating.

Set to arrive in summer 2024, the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid will be much more than a niche model, with the automaker anticipating 40% of Civic sales will be hybrids. Honda says hybrids made up more than a quarter of its total U.S. sales in calendar year 2023.

And within the span of a few days, Mazda has announced both the adoption of Tesla’s NACS connector for future U.S. EVs, while also committing to the revival of the rotary engine. They’re among many mixed signals from the automaker in recent years on what it sees as its propulsion future, as it works toward a global target of 40% EV sales by 2030

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Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Traditional Market 2024

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Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a famous Korean street food market located fairly close to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This traditional food market offers a variety of traditional Korean street food from Mungbean pancakes, mandu (Korean dumplings), and more. If you want to get traditional Korean food in South Korea, this is the place to do it. If you are new to Korea or just traveling you have to add Gwangjang market to your places to visit at least once in your lifetime. 

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Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Traditional Market

This market is Seoul’s oldest traditional market to get traditional clothing, traditional street food, and more. Gwangjang Night Market is when most of the action happens, but there are some workers that come in to eat food during the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is also known as Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the old spelling and sijang just means market in Korean.

Gwangjang market is a popular Seoul food market because it’s the oldest market in Seoul. It is not only known for its Gwangjang market street food, but you can also get a lot of great clothing items in this area. It is considered to be one of Korea’s largest markets and is located in the heart of Seoul. Here you can find a variety of things from silk, custom-made hanboks, vintage clothing, and traditional Korean street food. If you are looking more for clothes, then I highly suggest visiting Dongdaemun market.

Planning a trip to Korea? Join our Korea Travel Planning + Guide Facebook Group to ask and get answers to all your burning questions.

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There are so many great food stalls at Gwangjang Market and it has always been popular among tourists visiting South Korea. However, it has recently become even more popular due to the famous Gwangjang Netflix series on Korean Street Food. If you are planning to visit Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean street foods you need to try there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market famous food options below.

Unlike the food market Myeongdong, the food at Gwangjang market is more traditional in comparison. Here are some of the most popular things to eat at Gwangjang market.

Not sure what to eat or feel intimidated? Book this Gwangjang Market food tour!

Bindaetteok
Bindaetteok at Gwangjang Market

Bindaetteok – Mungbean Pancakes – best food at gwangjang market

Gwangjang market Food is known for these famous and popular mung bean pancakes and all for good reason as well. You will go here and have one and I’m sure you’ll crave another and want to go back. This Gwangjang market pancake reminds me of potato pancakes and are warm and a little crispy on the outside. It’s absolutely delicious and a must eat at Gwangjang market. 

Kimbap or Gimbap

This popular Korean dish is best described as a Korean version of sushi. However, instead of raw fish, this dish is usually stuffed with vegetables and meat including carrots, cucumbers, pickled radishes, and meats like bulgogi (marinated beef), tuna, and more. You can get a variety of different types of kimbap, although the smaller or mini ones called Mayak kimbap also spelled Mayak gimbap are considered to be more favorable in this market. 

Kalguksu 

This Gwangjang market kalguksu traditional Korean soup is filled with knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is great for keeping you warm during the cold winter months and packed with comfort and flavor. There are different types of Kalguksu you can get from seafood to beef.

This soup is mild in flavor meaning it isn’t spicy however like most Korean dishes is often served with a side of kimchi. If you plan to go visit the Gwangjang Market Netflix lady, this is one of her most popular dishes and one of the most popular knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is known as the Netflix kalguksu lady. 

Kalguksu and Kimchi Mandu at Gwangjang Market
Kalguksu and Kimchi Mandu at Gwangjang Market

Mandu

There are two typical types of mandu or dumplings that are typical in Korea. There is the traditional flavor filled with minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is filled with mean and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is only common in Korea and it’s one of my favorites to eat in Korea. They are so delicious and you can’t leave this market without eating them.

Most Koreans eat it steamed or in a soup, however, there are places that pan-fry them. I usually like them panfried, however, it honestly depends on how they are made and what they are stuffed with. The woman from the Netflix stand has both the traditional and kimchi mandu and let me tell you, that kimchi mandu is something I want to go back for. 

떡볶이 – Tteokbokki

This is a popular Korean street food at Gwangjang market that is made of cylinder-shaped rice cakes and covered in a sweet and spicy sauce. You can see this type of street food all over South Korea and it’s one of the most popular street foods to enjoy. If you haven’t had it or found other vendors in other locations, be sure to have some here. 

육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare

This market is very popular for the steak tartare. They usually top it off with a raw yellow yolk that you mix in with the steak tartare. Although I didn’t get a chance to try it here because I was so full off of everything else, it looked absolutely delicious and I plan to go back and have some. I really enjoy beef tartare in South Korea because it is so flavorful and lightly seasoned. 

Soondae

Best known as blood sausages. This dish is for the adventurous because it is a bit chewy in texture and blood sausages are usually stuffed pig intestines. They are quite delicious but can be somewhat bland as well. I think the texture is what most people dislike about it. 

Sannakji

Although you can get live octopus here, I would suggest you wait and get it at one of the fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. If you don’t have a chance to visit those places, then you could try it here. It’s one of my favorite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly cut octopus covered in sesame oil, sesame seeds and a little bit of salt. The octopus is still moving on the plate and you may need to use your chopsticks to pry the moving tentacles, but honestly, don’t let that scare you away. 

Soy Marinated Crab

Soy Marinated Crab at Gwangjang Market in Seoul is a must-try delicacy. This dish features crab marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. The meat is tender, and the roe offers a rich, oceanic flavor. It’s a hands-on eating experience that captures the essence of Korean street food.

Other options you can eat at Gwangjang Market

  • 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat
  • 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Cold noodle soup
  • 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs feet
  • 닭발 – Dalkbal – Chicken feet

Desserts at Gwangjang Market

Hotteok
Hotteok at Gwangjang Market

Hotteok

This popular street food in Korea and usually served during the winter months. I only found a few stalls at the Gwangjang market that had them, but if you find them it’s totally worth checking out. It’s my favorite dessert street food option in South Korea. A hotteok is a sweet rice flour pancake that is usually stuffed with brown sugar and sometimes sunflower seeds and nuts depending on the vendor. 

꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut

Right next to the hotteok stand I saw inside the Gwangjang market was a stall selling Gwabaegi which is a popular Korean doughnut. This is a very popular donut that is made of rice flour so it’s a little stickier than regular donuts. They are usually hot and fresh in order to be good and covered in sugar and sometimes cinnamon sugar. If you are a donut lover like myself, you must try one of these donuts. 

붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang

Now, this is a popular snack among many Asian kids. It was my favorite growing up and if you aren’t a big fan of sweet red beans then I don’t suggest you order this. This is a fish-shaped pastry stuffed with sweetened red bean paste. This popular dish originated in Japan and was brought over and become a popular staple in Korean street food cuisine. 

호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja

These delightful treats are made from a soft, cake-like batter that’s poured into a walnut-shaped mold. Inside, you’ll typically find a filling of sweet red bean paste, and sometimes even a chunk of walnut for that extra crunch. The mold is then closed and baked until the outside turns a golden brown. The result? A warm, fluffy pastry with a gooey, sweet center.

Hodo Kwaja is a popular snack not just for tourists but also for locals. It’s like a hug for your taste buds—comforting, sweet, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re usually sold in little paper bags, making them the perfect on-the-go snack as you continue to explore the wonders of Gwangjang Market.

Where to shop at Gwangjang Market

So all of the street food vendors are typically on the first floor. If you want to look for fabrics, clothing, and more, they are mostly on the second floor. There are a few vendors on the first floor down some alleyways as well. I would say that the more prestigious ones are upstairs with higher quality, however, I find them all to be pretty great in design. I highly suggest taking one of Gwangjang Market’s day tours in Seoul to get more out of it.

How to get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours

  • Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Typically 8:30 am – 6 pm daily but the restaurants are usually 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, but I suggest you go in the afternoon or evening even though places are opening in the morning, most of them are prepping the food for the day. Some places are closed on Sunday. 
  • Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
  • How to get there: Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit number 7. Head straight and you will see the entrance to the market on your right-hand side. 
  • Prices: Korean street food prices vary, at the Netflix stall we paid 10,000 won (~$9USD) for a bowl of Kalguksu and Mandu. We shared the dish and it was pretty filling for 2 people. The Bindaetteok was about 2 for 3,000 won (~$2.50). So honestly, it depends on where you go and what you get. Most places are 1,500 won and up. 
  • Website: www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr

Things to do near Gwangjang Market

There are a lot of things to do near Gwangjang Market. Besides eating foot at Gwangjang market, here are a few things I suggest you do while here.

Purchase a Hanbok

The Hanbok is a traditional Korean dress characterized by its vibrant colors and simple lines. The women’s version usually consists of a jeogori (blouse) and a chima (skirt), while the men’s version has a jeogori and baji (pants). It’s a symbol of Korean culture and heritage, often worn on special occasions and holidays.

Now, why should you buy it at Gwangjang Market? Well, my friend, this market is like a treasure trove for authentic, high-quality Hanboks. Unlike the mass-produced versions you might find elsewhere, the Hanboks here are often handmade, stitched together by artisans who’ve honed their craft over decades. You can feel the love and tradition in every thread. Plus, the variety is astounding—whether you want something traditional or a modern twist, you’ll find it here. And let’s not forget, the prices are often much more reasonable compared to specialty boutiques.

Buy Traditional Souviners

Gwangjang Market is like a treasure chest when it comes to traditional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on a little virtual shopping spree, shall we?

  • Korean Pottery: Whether it’s a celadon vase or a cute kimchi pot, Korean pottery is renowned for its craftsmanship. These make for elegant gifts or home decor.
  • Korean Fans: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these fans are not just functional but also incredibly beautiful. They’re easy to pack and make for a charming gift.
  • Traditional Masks: Known as “Hahoe,” these masks are often used in traditional Korean plays and dances. They make for unique wall decorations and are a great conversation starter.
  • Korean Tea Sets: If you’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the traditional Korean tea sets. They often come with a teapot, cups, and a serving tray, all exquisitely designed.
  • Korean Snacks: From dried seaweed to honey-filled “Yakgwa” cookies, Korean snacks are a tasty souvenir that won’t last long but will be remembered!
  • Calligraphy Sets: If you’re into art or writing, a traditional Korean calligraphy set could be a meaningful keepsake. It usually includes brushes, ink, and paper—all you need to try your hand at this ancient art form.
  • Jewelry: You can find beautiful pieces made of jade, a stone that holds special significance in Korean culture. It’s said to bring good luck and prosperity.
  • Silk Scarves: These are often hand-painted and feature traditional Korean patterns. They’re lightweight, making them easy to pack, and they add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
  • Korean Ginseng: Known for its health benefits, Korean ginseng is a popular gift. You can find it in various forms, from roots to extracts and teas.

Gwangjang Market FAQs

Is Gwangjang market indoors?

It is not located indoors, however, it is under a covered structure. It’s a large open space with roofing which prevents rain and other weather from ruining your chances of eating at this vintage market in Seoul.

Where is Gwangjang market located?

It’s located in Seoul, South Korea. The address is 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동).

Does Gwangjang market take card?

Not typically. This Korean food market in Seoul is pretty much a cash-heavy area to grab cheap and delicious food. Myeongdong food market is pretty much the same as well.

What is the kimbap Korean spelling?

김밥 is the Korean spelling for Gimbap or Kimbap.

What are the best food in Gwangjang Market?

I’ve listed them above, but to be short and concise, the top choices are binddatteok, kimbap specifically mayak kimbap, Kalguksu, mandu, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, 육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare, Soondae, Sannakji, 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat, 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Cold noodle soup, 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs feet, 닭발 – Dalkbal – Chicken feet, Hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, and 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang.

What are some halal food at Gwangjang market?

While I can’t guarantee any of the meat is halal, here are some halal options you can consider: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Cold noodle soup.

How to go to Gwangjang market by subway

Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit number 7. Head straight and you will see the entrance to the market on your right-hand side. 

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Perodua EV coming end-2025 – tax-free incentives for CBU EVs, RM100k min price to end in Malaysia then?

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Perodua EV coming end-2025 – tax-free incentives for CBU EVs, RM100k min price to end in Malaysia then?

Perodua ‘MyEV’ rendered based on the 2023 EMO Concept

Earlier this week, minister of international trade and industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz revealed that mass production of Perodua’s EV is scheduled to start in end-2025.

According to the MITI minister, in line with the appointment of Perodua as the lead in production of affordable EVs under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), the Malaysian market leader has developed an electric-powered prototype in cooperation with an ‘international automotive company’. This has to be technical partner and shareholder Daihatsu, which is owned by Toyota.

With an affordable ‘EV rakyat’ in the market, will tax-free incentives for CBU imported EVs continue? There’s a likelihood that the tax-free window that we’re enjoying now will be shut, and the current RM100k minimum price barrier for imported EVs will be lifted.

Current RM100k minimum price for CBU EVs prevent the likes of Wuling’s Air EV to enter Malaysia

In Budget 2023, it was announced that import duty and excise duty exemption for CBU EVs had been extended to December 31, 2025. It was originally set to end in December 31, 2023 before being extended till end-2024 in first tabling of Budget 2023. There was no mention of a further extension in the most recent Budget 2024, so it’s end-2025 as things stand.

While duty exemption for CBU EVs is beneficial to buyers, it is only so to those in the upper spectrum of the scale, because no imported EV with a floor price under RM100,000 can be sold in Malaysia until the end of the exemption period. This condition was specifically listed for imported EVs under MITI guidelines on franchise approved permit (AP) requirements for 2023.

It’s a measure that’s both protectionist and anti-dumping, but it was designed to be temporary in nature. “We can’t do this forever, so it’s only up to 2025. Then, we have to open up,” Zafrul told us in July 2023, adding that the RM100k condition was put in place to allow national makes to get themselves ready for electrification.

Perodua EV coming end-2025 – tax-free incentives for CBU EVs, RM100k min price to end in Malaysia then?

Starting from RM100k, BYD’s Dolphin is currently the most affordable tax-free CBU EV in town

“We are giving them (local carmakers) time to prepare for EVs. There have been questions as to why we are not liberalising quicker, but we have to look at the big picture to protect our local automotive industry for a while so that there is a just transition, because it does relate to a lot of employment, from jobs to suppliers,” Zafrul told paultan.org.

“I hope by 2025 our local companies have already transitioned, because Tesla’s and Chinese carmakers’ technologies have already shown that they are ready,” he added.

Tax-free CBUs to kickstart the tech among early adopter motorists and boost market acceptance before closing it in favour of local production – reminds me of the tax-free window for CBU hybrid cars in the early-2010s. More on the upcoming Perodua EV here.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with myTukar.





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WOW Festive Issue 2024 Roars Onto Newsstands

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WOW #71 Festive Issue Cover

The Festive issue of WOW Singapore is back with the most appropriate cover theme, featuring the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Xiali Calendar. This is perhaps the best watch to bridge the festive traditions of east and west, sandwiched as we are between Christmas and Chinese New Year.

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph

The editors of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand gathered around a metaphorical fireplace and regaled each other with tales of their 2023 watch acquisitions. They were joined by a special guest, the Men’s Folio Singapore Editor, in what is now an annual crossover tradition for WOW. This very personal celebration of new timepieces is complemented by a visual presentation of curated watches you could get for yourself in one of WOW’s trademark celebratory spreads.

Grand Prix d’Horlogerie Geneve in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Between the remaining highlights of the year and our own lists, the editors get down to brass tacks in a frank discussion about how to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. The answer might lie in the stories we tell ourselves about our favourites, or it might be in the accolades they earn, including the at recently concluded Grand Prix d’Horlogerie Geneve. The timepiece awards show is covered extensively as a result of a collaboration between the Singapore and Malaysia editions. 

CEO of Bulgari, Jean-Christophe Babin

Finally, the editors hold court with some of the most important personalities in the trade, including the legendary CEO of Bulgari, Jean-Christophe Babin (a WOW exclusive). Roger Dubuis marketing wizard Sadry Keiser speaks truth to power while Bell & Ross Managing Director Fabien Nonancourt explains how every millimetre counts when it comes to case shapes and sizes. 

Bell & Ross Managing Director Fabien Nonancourt

The Festive issue of WOW Singapore is out now, on digital and physical newsstands.

For more on the latest in luxury watch reads, click here.



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The Science Of Grip (And Why It Matters To Petrol-Heads) – The Car Spotter Blog

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Partnered Post

You can have the best engine in the world, but if a car lacks grip, it’s in trouble. Ultimately, the strength of the contact with the road is what allows the car to perform. 

The purpose of this post is to act as a primer on the science of grip and why it is critical to any car enthusiast. While having a 600 bhp engine is fun, it needs a system that transmits that power to the road. 

Image Credit

Why Grip Is So Critical

Grippiness is critical for car owners for numerous reasons. The most obvious is safety. We’ve all seen what happens when a vehicle skids on ice and is completely out of control. 

Performance is also another crucial factor. The grippier the tyres, the faster vehicles can make their way around the track without skidding off uncontrollably. 

But perhaps the most critical reason for wanting more grip is driving enjoyment. Cars that have a proper connection to the road behave more predictably, letting you push them closer to the limit without constantly putting the tail out or spinning. 

Image Credit

What Affects Tyre Grip? 

Friction on the road is a function of the weight of the vehicle above, tyre compounds, and road surface characteristics. These factors combine to determine how many lateral G’s you can put into a corner and come out of the other side unscathed. 

Naturally, therefore, tyres play a big role. Slicks work well in the dry, but if you plan on using your car on the road, you’ll want tyres that have a deep tread for clearing water and other debris. Remember, though, that all-season tyres are a compromise. These products add convenience to your life but won’t perform optimally in extreme weather conditions. 

Suspension and chassis design also affect grip. Cars with stiffer suspensions (like track cars) usually have better grip. However, you wouldn’t want to drive them for a long time because of the ride’s harshness. Likewise, cars with softer suspension feel nicer to drive but aren’t as good in the corners, thanks to things like body roll. 

Image Credit

How To Improve Your Vehicle’s Grip

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to improve your vehicle’s grip and get the most out of it.

Drive Sensibly

If you make no modifications to your vehicle, driving sensibly can assist tremendously with grip. Avoiding things like hard braking and going around roundabouts as fast as you can reduce the risk of spinning out of control. 

Turn On The Traction Control

You can also try turning on the traction control (if it isn’t on already). These systems constantly monitor the speed, performance, and position of the wheels, directing optimal energy to each with extreme precision to prevent them from spinning. 

Check Your Treads

If your treads are low, get mobile tyres to replace them. Being unable to clear water can cause aquaplaning during rainstorms. 

Increase Tyre Pressure

Finally, you can also try increasing tyre pressure. Under-inflation can reduce grip and prevent the rubber from making proper contact with the road. 





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Work, Gratitude, and the Challenge of the Present Moment

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I’m late to my own party, but April 1, 2020 marked twelve years since I quit my job as a lawyer to travel the world.

By now you guys know the drill: each year I wrote an annual update post for April 1st, about my state of mind and the state of my business. I’d usually also have a get together with friends to celebrate, wherever I was. In Saigon, it was a party with bun cha and rice vodka. In Oaxaca, it was mezcal and quesadillas.

This year, the date fell during the long trek back to Montreal from Florida. I was trying to move quickly enough to get home safely, but slow enough to not exacerbate my spinal CSF leak.

While I was technically on the road on April 1st, the date involved a little less celebration and a little more pandemic than usual.

Since today is my 41st birthday, I thought I would use the occasion to do that annual write-up.

Here’s a post about what’s going on, and some of what comes next.

12 Years of Legal Nomads

Health wise, my leak is ongoing. Other chronic issues are ongoing.

Still, I am here today, alive, feeling loved, trying to find gratitude for what I can and remind myself that human connection is part of what sees us through.

With increased acceptance of my day-to-day reality came a sense of increased dissonance when I looked at Legal Nomads. That smiling person on a motorbike on my front page is no longer me. Telling stories through food is no longer me. Those are part of me, sure, and I am proud of whatever roads took me to them.

Still, I would open my dashboard every so often and think, “what am I even doing? Is there a point to any of this anymore?”  Questions that many of us are asking these days, and ones that take sharper form because the physical opportunity costs of working are so great for me.

I love writing, and my mind misses writing. Writing this post in morning increments felt like coming home. My body, though, it doesn’t so much like me writing. My leak symptoms worsen when I do and while I have tried creative solutions like voice to text or transcription, they don’t scratch the writing itch. I love the typing itself, the act of words falling out of my brain and rearranging themselves into prose.

So I decided I will do something a little more drastic.

Killing my Darlings

In order to create a good piece of writing, you often need to first cull those paragraphs or characters you feel attached to even though they no longer contribute critically to the whole. You need to “kill your darlings” to make a better-working piece.

For me, killing my darlings results not from ornamental prose but from the physical limitations on my ability to work. While my creative time is endless, the actual creating takes the kind of physical overhead I no longer have at my disposal. I’m divesting some of the projects I’ve clung to in the hopes that I’ll be able to build something exciting for my community.

I have a half-finished writing course workbook, and a full outline for a product for lawyers who want to change careers.

Neither will be doable in the next very long while with my limitations. But the reason I wanted to build these products was because readers asked for them, and clearly had a need for them. So I’ve partnered with people I trust to fix those pain points since I cannot.

How to Tell Better Stories in a Digital World: My Storytelling Course


I planned to do a storytelling course, and I have a half-completed workbook and many sign ups from readers. I’ve tried to think of ways that I can do this project while leaking, because I love to teach storytelling. At the moment, I don’t think it’s possible to do so without eating into all my uptime.

So I’ve partnered with two people I trust to offer two different courses; which one might be best for you depends on your needs.

Storytelling Course with Lola Akinmade Åkerström

How can we craft and share those stories with others that can create empathy and connection with others? How can we cradle with care the responsibility of telling other people’s stories? How do you hook, engage, intrigue, and keep your readers all the way to your closing message? How can you find threads and narrative arcs to structure your story?

These are all questions Lola addresses in her comprehensive course about storytelling.

The course is self-paced, and includes lectures, video modules, and lots of case studies and examples to illustrate the lessons Lola teaches. Lola just launched this course, and I contacted her to see if I could refer my readers her way because it’s a great alternative to what I planned to do.

Lola has offered $50 off for Legal Nomads readers if you let her know that’s where you came from for the course.

Blogging Course with Mike Sowden

I’ve also referred some of you to my friend Mike*, who has a course called Engage! A Storytelling Course for Bloggers. A lot of readers aren’t bloggers and thus want a broader more technical story instruction, which Lola can provide. For those who are in the blogging world, and/or don’t have the budget for a larger course,Mike’s course is a great option.

His course is self-paced over 8 weeks, aimed at teaching bloggers how to be a better storyteller. It includes email lessons, audio lessons, PDF guides (including my fave, “How To Edit The S#!t Out Of Your Writing”), and 1:1 support from Mike.

He has offered a $15 discount for Legal Nomads readers: enter the code donkeyballs2020 or use this link to purchase.

*Mike also kindly edited this post, and many others, for me. Mike is a good set of eyes for your brain.

Leaving Law Behind with Casey Berman and Adam Ouellette

My Thrillable Hours series exists to inspire lawyers feeling deadened by their job options to find the courage to think more broadly. I created it to help with fear, career change, and life after law. Though I also had plans to make a course to help lawyers take a leap, I didn’t get to finish it.

Casey and Adam have, and so I’m partnering with them to fix the pain point some of my readers have. They’ll help lawyers through the process of leaving the law, if that’s what they want, and help them overcome the blocking beliefs and self-sabotage that can get in the way. They also provide their students with interview and résumé help, as well as support to allow lawyers to hone in on what alternative career is best for them.

Basically, if I can’t help you I feel that Adam and Casey can at Leave Law Behind.

The plan is to hopefully record a video interview with them, too, for Legal Nomads readers.

The “Ask a Jodi” Podcast

A few years ago, I bought the domain Ask a Jodi and thought I would do videos answering questions readers had about life and everything after. It was actually my sitting on the ground to dig out a tripod from my drawer that led to my re-opening the leak in 2018.

I shelved the video idea as it was infeasible, and with the physical strain this year’s posts about COVID-19 took on me, I decided that writing would need to come second to something else.

I’ve long said I’d write if no one were reading. But unfortunately as I said, my body and writing don’t get on as well. So a short (10-15 min) podcast is where I netted out, specifically to answer the many questions I receive from readers about resilience, grief, hope, and so much more.

This will take time for me to get off the ground, because I’ve learned everything takes more time when you’re sick. I look forward to sharing it, when it’s ready.

If you’ve got a question for me that you’d like me to address in a podcast episode, I’ve made a Google Form here for you to send it my way.

Redesigning Legal Nomads

This site started on Blogger and moved to WordPress in 2010. It’s gone through quite a few resdesigns since 2008.

Legal nomadsLegal nomads
It’s been a few years, and this time the redesign will streamline existing categories into a few main ones, and link out to the courses and resources I’ve listed above. I also want to brighten up the colours and update the pictures and ‘about’ page to reflect the transitions I’ve gone through over the last years.

I’ll also be changing my slogan from “Telling Stories Through Food” to “Curious About Everything.” The new slogan better reflects my present, though it also is always who I’ve been.

Audio recordings for Accessibility

Some of my readers who have CSF leaks (spinal or cranial) or who are chronically ill have asked if it would be possible to record posts in audio form, specifically the ones about meditation and my leak journey. My goal is to record these before I start the podcast, warming up to audio for starters but also making it easier to access content for the people who find reading difficult.

Newsletter Back Up and Running

Links I Loved was a newsletter I started to share the interesting links that I read, including those I shared on Twitter. I’ve had the newsletter disabled for the last year and a half because my pain levels fluctuate sufficiently that I felt I couldn’t commit to putting it out every month as promised.

With the redesign and the podcast, I am starting it up again. It will house a few great reads as well as general updates from my work, and podcast planning, and more. You can sign up here.

Supporting Legal Nomads

This is the question I get the most from you all: “how can I support you?”

I feel incredibly lucky to have an incredible, caring community. I say this often, and will continue to say so. Even during these bewildering times when just about everyone’s reality has become warped, you still reach out to ensure that I’m holding up ok.

As with last year, the easiest support is via an Amazon gift card to jodi-at-legalnomads.com, which is where I get some of the harder-to-find items that aren’t available at the grocery store. With COVID-19, my neighbours/family/friends have helped with groceries, and ordering from Amazon means people don’t have to go hunting for tiger nut flour.

There’s also my Patreon, which I launched based on your request! I love the intimate community there.

Honestly, there isn’t much else at the moment! Support the podcast when it launches, and share my work if it resonates. The care I need day-to-day is the most pressing, and thankfully I have family (and now neighbours and friends!) to help with grocery runs during the pandemic, and who drop by for socially distanced visits while it’s still warm.

***

My friend Cheryl, who I’ve featured here, says her life mantra is LSAT. That she’s a former lawyer makes this funny, since it’s not the LSAT of our nightmares. Her LSAT means love, surrender, acceptance, and trust.

A lot harder to embody than fear and anger and loathing.

A lot easier to say than do.

And yet, a worthy use of mental time and energy.

Every moment you’re not in a state of surrender, you’re in a state of lack.

That’s what gets me through each day.

Jodi Ettenberg Legal nomads
A February Florida soup adventure. Worth the pain!

Well, that and soup.

-Jodi



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2025 BMW X3, 2025 Dodge EV: Today’s Car News

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BMW is testing prototypes for a redesigned X3 that is likely to debut later this year. The new compact crossover appears to be taking on an evolutionary design, though this time around it is expected to spawn an electric variant that will boast unique styling.

Dodge only days ago released a series of teaser photos for its new electric vehicle to replace the Challenger and Charger muscle cars, and now a prototype has been spotted on the move. Although Dodge has insisted the car will be offered with electric power only, rumors persist a gas engine will be made available.

Mazda is committed to the rotary engine and will establish a dedicated team for its development. In all future applications the engine will likely serve purely as a range extender for an electric powertrain, a setup Mazda has already introduced in the MX-30 electric compact crossover in some markets.

You’ll find these stories and more in today’s car news, right here at Motor Authority.

2025 BMW X3 caught on video

Dodge Charger successor spied on the move, arrives late 2024

Mazda building a team dedicated to rotary development

Review: Jeep Compass aims too high

Learn the fascinating history of the 1958 MacMinn LeMans Coupe

Ram ProMaster EV delivers a pink slip to diesel last-mile vans

Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear delivers street truck or off-road performance

2024 Nissan Rogue costs at least $1,030 more to $29,685

Acura is about to launch a new entry-level crossover

EVs from these brands will soon use the Tesla NACS charge port



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